The Novato Historian The Quarterly Publication of the Novato Historical Guild, the Novato History Museum, and the Hamilton Field History Museum

Preserving Novato’s History News Section Contents ©2018 Novato Historical Guild, Inc.

April - June 2018 The Novato Historian Volume 42, Number 2 It’s Third Grade History Tour Time Again! By Laurie O’Mara

Well, the birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming and once again Novato’s third graders are enjoying time traveling back to the early days of Novato thanks to the fabulous third grade docents at the Novato History Museum.

Thanks to the historical knowledge and generosity of docents: Carol Aregger, Sharon Azevedo, Mary Bicknell, Celinda Current, Joan Davis, Diane Goebel, Laurie Gratiot, Betty Jordan, Bobbie Kettler, Lauren Long, Jim McNern, Cindy Motsinger, Stan Palmear, Anne Russell, Susan Trumbull and Laurie O’Mara, third grade classes are able to visit our wonderful museum from March until June and are transported back to the 1800s and early 1900s with the help of our wonderful exhibits and lively tours to the Carlile House, The First Train Depot, The Novato House Hotel, The Fashion Shop, Mr Carlile’s Hardware Stores, Novato’s first bank and so much more.

The Buggy Room, Doll House, Train and Dairy exhibits in the museum are huge hits. In the Buggy Room, students can imagine what it would be like to be a child working on the family farm or dairy in 1899. At the school exhibit they are Sharon Azevedo and Laurie O’Mara. Continued on Page N-5 New Museum Display Featuring Novato’s Dairy Ranches

A new exhibit at the Novato History Museum features the history of dairy ranches in Novato. The display case features the different brands of dairy products produced in Novato, as well as County Fair trophies awarded for excellence in dairy products and dairy cows. Visitors can learn about the 4-H program for rural youth and learn to identify the different breeds of dairy cows. A map of Novato on the wall shows where all of the dairy ranches were located and guests can find out if they live on the property of a former dairy ranch. The new display was put together by Edna Manzoni. Novato History Museum’s Dairy Ranch exhibit N-2 The Novato Historian April - June 2018

The Novato Historian President’s Corner Published March, June, September and December by the Novato Historical Guild, Jim Crumpler a California 501(c)3 non-profit corporation formed on November 18, 1976. President, Novato Historical Guild Contents © 2018 Novato Historical Guild, Inc. Guild Mission Statement What’s New at the Guild Our Mission is to collect, preserve and make reasonably available to the public, exhibits and information related to the historical and social development of the Novato valley, Hamilton Field and the adja- Hope everyone that was present at the have been “J.B. Burdell.” Thank you, cent North Marin area. March Members Meeting, at The Marga- Charmaine! Novato Historical Guild 2018 Officers ret Todd Senior Center, and enjoyed the This started me thinking, I wonder if President Jim Crumpler presentation by Paul Drexler as much Anna Morrison would have caught this Vice President as I did. Paul gave an entertaining talk Secretary Sharon Azevedo error if she had still been a part of our Treasurer Kathryn Hansen on the scoundrels and hooligans in San Thursday “proofreaders” as she was for Francisco’s colorful history. years! More thoughts....did Anna Mor- Board of Directors Sharon Azevedo Pat Johnstone The speaker for the June Member’s rison know Charmaine Burdell? Were Ray Dwelly Susan Magnone Meeting is our own John Geoghegan. they members of the same generation? George Gnoss Edna Manzoni Kate Johnston Mike Read John, an accomplished author, will be giv- One final thought: no Burdells are ing a very informative talk on Japanese buried in Pioneer Memorial Cemetery, submarine activity off the California coast History Museum Managers they are all buried in the Mountain View Hamilton Field Ray Dwelly during the Second World War. I heard this Cemetery in Oakland. Novato Susan Magnone talk previously and was amazed at the Thanks to Soroptimists of Novato number of subs and the the duration of Honorary Historian and Novato Community Television for their presence off our coast. Bill Almeida producing a video of our very talented Committee Chairs I recently received a very interesting Laurie O’Mara. Lori, in full costume, Finance Kathryn Hansen letter...from Miss Charmaine Burdell is doing her famous tour of “historical“ Fund Raising All Board Members (great, great, great Granddaughter of Gift Stores Pat Johnstone Novato. The video runs about 27 Governance George Gnoss Dr. Galen Burdell). The hand written minutes and should be available for Hospitality Sharon Azevedo letter concerned an error that we had viewing on YouTube in a few weeks. Judi Brady made in the January-March Historian. In closing, I would like to thank all of The article in question was “Novato’s Historian/Mailing Jim McNern our volunteers for doing what you do, Membership Edna Manzoni Treasures - Pioneer Memorial Cemetery without which we wouldn’t have open Nominating Susan Magnone -Simmons Lane”. The error was in listing Oral History Madeline Martin museums, Third Grade Tours or the His- the Directors of the Novato Cemetery Publicity Sharon Azevedo torian. Public Outreach Jim Crumpler Association (1899), one of which we School Tours Laurie O’Mara incorrectly listed as “S.B. Burden.” Hope to see you all at our next Mem- Sunshine Diane Campbell As Charmaine pointed out, it should bers Meeting on June 16. Newsletter Editorial Board Yvette Borloz Jim Crumple Jackson Jim McNern Mike Corlett Mike Read

Typography, Layout, Composition Carol Aregger

Deadline for the September 2018 issue is August 1st.

City of Novato Staff Recreation Operations Manager Elizabeth Tran

Address Changes The Novato Historian is mailed by bulk mail and will not be forwarded by the Postal Service. Please notify us promptly of your address change at Novato His- torical Guild, P.O. Box 1296, Novato, CA 94948.

The March General Membership Meeting featured guest speaker Paul Drexler, crime historian. April - June 2018 The Novato Historian N-3 Novato-50 Years Ago (April, May, June 1968) by Yvette Borloz Jackson

It’s April Showers that bring May nue. All proceeds from the annual who led the field; councilman Doug- Flowers & June has lots of gradu- event will be used in the club’s city las Merrill, who was close behind, ations & weddings too. Here are a beautification projects during the and Joseph Gargiulo, principal of few memories from Spring of 1968, coming year. the school districts continuation hope it jogs your memory, as it does school. Voting at nine polling places mine. Let’s face it, the only jogging ● The weather became a major were 3123 voters out of 7644 reg- I get is when I am writing this arti- topic of conversation here this week istered. The percentage voting was cle. I hope I have helped you with when I long, cold dry spell was bro- 40.9, with the highest reached at your exercise program. I remind you ken by a two day storm that got San Marin where 49.8% voted at the again that the following items are underway Monday and reached San Marin No. 3 fire station. Semi taken directly from the pages of the its height last night, dumping 2.08 official results of the election were Novato Advance, although some inches of rain and doing some dam- Mayor Womack-1378, Councilman are abridged to give me space for age. Merrill-1326, Gargiulo- 1097, Rob- more items. Hope you enjoy. ert Lagle-1013, Wilfred Lieb- 943, ● Three Novatans and a fourth, Wayne Hathaway-811, Donald Tel- ● President Johnson’s announce- who formerly lived here, received ford-760, Joseph Bonomolo-621. ment on Sunday that he will not seek “Grand Cross of Color” awards in re-election caught the nation by sur- a recent ceremony held at Druids ● Alice Jean Sandbach, 63, a res- prise. Opinions differ on the sincer- Hall in Novato for members of ident of Novato for 25 years, suf- ity of Johnson’s move, but there was the Order of the Eastern Star and fered a heart seizure at 8:35 p.m. almost unanimous agreement that International Order of Rainbow for last night while sitting in the lobby of Johnson’s withdrawal makes Rob- girls. The recipients were Mrs. Murl the Community House and was pro- ert Kennedy a shoo-in as the Demo- S. Mahler; Ellen Bussman, Marilyn nounced dead on arrival at Novato cratic candidate and the next Pres- Waldrop, and Mrs. Roger Hicks. General Hospital shortly before 9 ident. However, most of those we The Grand Cross, highest award p.m. The couple was waiting for the talked to would like to see Eugene given by Rainbow Girls, signifies council to dispose of the proposed McCarthy as the Democratic nomi- distinguished service to the Rainbow dog leash law before taking up the nee. Girls organization. question of the 66- unit mobile home park, which the Sandbachs have ● The citizens beautification advi- ● Novatans were shocked and con- been attempting to establish on 11.8 sory committee, which met for the cerned over the assassination of acres in San Marin. The city plan- first time Monday night, got off to Dr. Martin Luther King last week, ning commission Monday night, a memorable start with a message but outside of the anxious gazing at echoing it’s unanimous negative vote of encouragement from the mayor, newspaper headlines and viewing of on January 22, turned down a new advice from the city manager, the television programs, life pretty well design for the Sandbach plan, again requested support for the proposed went on as usual here in Novato, unanimously, because of the cuts dog control law, a plea for help with like most white suburbia, is removed that would be required and in the the wildflower project, and a 30 min- from the direct anguish of racial con- hilly terrain. Mayor Harley McAskill ute interview with a citizen who had flict and it’s doubtful the barriers will announced, regretfully to the been looking for the recreation com- soon be breached. large audience at 9 p.m., when he mittee meeting. received word, that Mrs. Sandbach ● Two incumbents and a candidate, had died. The following announce- ● The spring garden bazaar, spon- who probably rang more doorbells ment that the public hearing on the sored by the Novato Garden Club and met more people than the other Sandbach mobile home park would has been scheduled for Friday and candidates combined, won elec- be continued until the councils April Saturday at the downtown shopping tion in yesterdays Council race. Win- Center, 7th Street and Grant Ave- ning were Mayor Wayne Womack, Continued on Page N-4 N-4 April - June 2018

styles such as “Split Bermuda Collar; ● Friday and Saturday have been 50 Years Ago “Daisy Patch Shirt”; Tee-Tab Golfer. proclaimed Poppy day by Mayor Continued from Page N-3 Harley McAskill Members of the ● McDonald’s Jewelry Store had: three veterans organizations will be 30 meeting, but did not seem very “Fanciful flower design…superbly selling them to “honor the dead and important at that moment. Shock and made in 14Kt gold overlay and help the living.” sadness was evident on the faces of accented with a large cultured pearl. many in the audience who are pres- From our fine quality jewelry. Brooch ● Disbelief, then shock overcame ent to oppose the Sandbach applica- $19.50; Earrings $20.00 by Kre- Novatans this morning as the news tion. Mrs. Sandbach was born in Red mentz” in bringing peace to the of the tragic assassination attempt Bluff on December 28, 1904. Sur- world.” on Senator Robert Kennedy swept vivors include her husband George through the community. Horror, anx- E. Anthony Sandbach, three sons: ● Judy Volandri, a pert 22 year-old iety and the need for stringent gun Henry A.Sandbach, William F. Sand- with red hair and green eyes, is control laws were expressed by peo- bach, and Michael J. Sandbach, Novato’s first lady mail carrier. Hired ple interviewed in Novato in the eight grandchildren; and her sister, Saturday, she was broken in on a wake of the shooting of presidential Mrs. Henry D. Roulet of Los Ange- downtown mail route. Reactions to candidate Robert Kennedy. les. the cities first pretty postman range from double takes, to whistles. “Peo- ● Sen. Ted Kennedy left the San ● Mail patrons offended by pander- ple tell me it’s a nice change,” said Francisco Bay Area this morning ing advertisements can now take Judy. Judy gets quite a bit of teas- from Hamilton Air Force Base, to join steps to curb such mail, Postmas- ing from her fellow mail carriers. The his critically wounded brother Robert ter Overly said today in announc- new post office regulations against Kennedy in Los Angeles. (05/05/68 ing plans for administering a new long hair don’t apply to the lady mail issue) law which gives each family the carriers, which is fortunate, since right to decide that and ad is “eroti- she has very long hair. Her uniform, ● Walter & Michael Halkovich, cally arousing or sexually provoca- which hasn’t arrived yet, consist of two brothers, rescued 18-year-old tive.” Postmaster Overly said: “This pants, gloves, jacket, and beret. In Thomas Snyder from a fire Friday new law should give some protec- the summer she can substitute a evening which was raging in the tion to American families offended skirt or culottes for the pants.. upstairs bedroom of his 698 Cherry by advertisements they believe to be St. home. Norman Snyder tried to morally harmful, particularly to their ● It was a lot windier Monday than it rescue his son, who is mentally children. was rainier, but gray skies still man- retarded, but was able to get up the aged to give the Novato streets a 14 stairs, which led to the second ● $4,000,000 WORTH OF SCHOOL gentle dousing of .05 inches of the floor. He then went outside and tried CONSTRUCTION: It wasn’t exactly wet stuff. to get to his son through a window. ordinary to see three major school That’s the time the Halkovich boys, construction projects underway ● Signs and mobile home parks, of 795 Cherry St. arrived and learn simultaneously in the Novato Unified which seem to typify the transient that Thomas was still in the house. School District- nor to accompany tastelessness of the Los Angeles The two Brothers covered their faces fast-stepping Eugene DeBrecht area, continued to agitate the com- with damp towels and managed to on a progress tour. DeBrecht munity this week, filling up the news make their way up the stairs despite is the school district’s assistant columns and letters to the editor col- smoke and intense heat. They found superintendent in charge of business umn. The county planning commis- Thomas in a chair and dragged him services. We trailed after him sion by a tie-vote turned down the down to safety. Walt, 23, was dis- Monday afternoon to view the nooks, Sandbach mobile home park but rec- charged from the Army last April 13, crannies, classrooms and exteriors ommended the 1800-unit monstros- after serving for three years and of San Ramon elementary school ity at Black Point. The Council vote Mike, 21, is in the Navy and has and San Marin High School, both approving the over sized Denny’s returned to the destroyer USS Inger- in San Marin and Sinaloa Junior sign this week produced an unusual soll which will leave next week for a High School at Wilson Avenue and development; the filing of taxpayers six month tour of duty off the coast of Vineyard Road. suits to prevent erection of the sign. Vietnam. (5/22/68 issue) ● FOR MOTHERS DAY: Stan’s offered: SUMMER COOLERS by Continued on Page N-5 Ship ‘n Shore $3.00, in different April - June 2018 The Novato Historian N-5 It’s Third Grade History Tour Time 50 Years Ago Again! Continued from Page N-4 Continued from Page N-1 ● The Community House was transported to a time when learning the third grade classes we would like jammed last night with opponents and playing in school was much differ- to say how much we love the new of gun control legislation and the ent than it is today.They get to create benches! The students can now sit council, despite strong support from the sound of the train whistle at the in comfort while they learn all about Novatoans who favor strict anti- train exhibit and marvel at the contents the history of the museum (they gun laws, declined to pass a local in “Grandma’s Trunk.” Students ring are amazed that it used to be the gun control ordinance proposed by the original school bell for all to hear postmaster’s house and how it was the county. Instead, the council set on the front porch of the museum. moved here on a truck from the other up a committee to explore legisla- And they can discover which dairy side of Novato!) Students also learn tion it might support in the future. their house used to be on and learn how a two page letter could be written (06/26/1968) how many stomachs a cow has! and mailed using only one piece of paper! ● Members of the Novato High On the downtown tour they learn how our town was made with the hard work This is such a positive program en- Schools class of 439 seniors and sense of community of the Carliles, joyed so much each year by students, marched onto the football field for Hamiltons, Porcellas, Scotts and all the teachers and families and we certainly Saturday’s graduation ceremony. other amazing citizens who made our couldn’t do it without our docents! The commencement program, held town what it is today. And afterwards the under the hot sun, lasted one hour students all leave, excited to return one If you would like to docent next year and 40 minutes. day with their friends and families. and join in on all the fun we would love to have you! Just email Laurie O’Mara ● WEDDINGS April-June 1968 I must also say that on behalf of all at [email protected]. Linda Wright-Mark E. Heisel; Rob- ert Buckwalter-Cheryl Jones; Marga- ret Ellen McFarland-Eugen Graf, Jr.; Spec.4 Kenneth Jack Hankel-Patri- cia Ann Lanthier; Lt. Samuel Eugene Young Jr.- Brenda Gail Patterson; Peggy Marie Bennison- G.R. (Bob) Dinkle; Carolyn Sue Smith-Richard E. Simmons; Linda Ann Wilson-Den- nis Chase; Donell Marie McLean- Cpl. William Paul Weekly; Denise Klapperich- PO/3 Neil McIsaac, Jr.; Carmen Marie Regalia-Henri Etienne Raab; Michael Joseph Silva- Patricia Elise Bennison; Kathleen Croughan- Joel August; Ensign Robert Neill Sparrow-Constance Luana Dam- ron; Debbie Huntly-Richard Worden; Sandra Henry-Joseph Piazza; Mary- lou Glosser-John Rubke; Lynne Mar- ianne Walline- John Joseph Winters; Virginia Marie Lesieur-Denis James Jester; Dr. Jack Croughan-Marjorie Ann Bergendoff; Mary Frances Rein- simar-Alfred James McElroy; Glo- ria Jean Reynolds-Richard Gordon Froyen; Caroline Ann Hasz- James Jackson. Laurie O’Mara at the start of the Third Grade Tour introducing students to the museum and the story of Novato’s first postmaster. Yvette Borloz Jackson N-6 The Novato Historian April - June 2018

Novato Memories Jim McNern

Mike Pechner Mike shares his Novato memories in this June issue of the Novato Histo- rian. Mike grew up in Novato and became a meteorologist and worked for radio stations such as KSFO, KYA, KNBR with Frank and Mike, and KCBS. The photo (at left) is of Mike and his daughter Jessica. Mike shares his Novato memories in this June issue of the Novato Historian.

I barely recall my first year at the Down at the station I met two fellow old Grant Avenue School. As a first rail fans, Tom White, class of 1962 and grader who was, as my mother put Roger Graeber, class of 1961. This it, “Sick as a dog” I was out half of started my life long interest in railroads the school year due to illness, so I and transit in general. The biggest and most important don’t recall much that year. I had the I presently work part-time for both the memory of growing up in Novato is mumps, measles, chicken pox, pneu- Northwestern Pacific RR in Schellville accompanying my father, Fred Pech- monia, a collapsed lung and appendi- and for SMART as weekend Ambassa- ner, as he walked house to house in citis. dor at the Petaluma platform. Novato getting voters to sign a peti- My reward for getting all of my child- tion to incorporate Novato. With my There were many things to look for- hood diseases out of the way was ward to in Novato as a young boy brother Richard and I in tow, my father doing the 1st grade over. It was here would come home from his job in San growing up in the 1950s and 1960s. that I lost track of the class of 1964 I remember the flood of December, Francisco at James S. Baker, Import with the likes of Gene Helbing and and Export Co., and we would eat a 1955, that flooded Fourth Street and George Scherba who lived nearby on other parts of Novato. Many of you fast dinner and head out to collect sig- 6th Street. natures. know that I am a meteorologist and When I was growing up in Novato, as the owner of my own business, Golden My dad would sometimes spend two early as elementary school, my brother West Meteorology. A significant event hours convincing a voter about why Richard and I would go out and play in Novato’s’ weather history was the they should sign the petition. My dad and tell my mother Rhoda where we “snowstorm” of January, 1957. and the great Betty Machado single- were going and when we would be I remember my mother and fam- handedly collected enough signatures back. Novato was a very safe place to put the incorporation of Novato on ily telling me it never snows in Novato for young boys and girls roaming the because were are too close to the the ballot in 1959. Novato became a streets of town back in the 1950s. Its City in 1960. Pacific Ocean. So, walking to Marion still very safe today. No cell phones Street School sparked my interest in My earliest recollection in 1948 is and no worries about where we were the weather and the start of my career driving down a muddy Fourth Street in or when we will be back. which led to being the Staff meteorolo- my grandfather’s Studebaker looking Often we would be across town gist on KSFO, KYA, KNBR with Frank at John Briggs’ homes under construc- watching Mr. Novak building a new and Mike, and finally, KCBS. tion. We bought the home at 1109 4th sub-division. As early as I remember, The Western Weekend Parade was Street in the winter of 1948. As I recall my father would take my brother and the price was $7000 and with the GI #1 on my fun list. The pancake break- me down to the Grant Ave. Depot to fast with Chief Cavallero was a high- bill, and a CalVet loan, my Mom and see the Northwestern Pacific freight Dad were proud homeowners. light before the festivities began on and passenger trains. I made friends Saturday morning. Old Town was My father was a Marine Corp. staff with crew members who lived in always a nice place to cycle to and sergeant in World War II in the Pacific Novato and got rides on the engines from Fourth Street. Even though I am theater and was in the Korean War and cabooses all the way to Willits. Jewish, I enjoyed going to the bakery before coming back to Novato in 1953. Continued on Page N-7 April - June 2018 The Novato Historian N-7 Audio Guides Novato Memories at Hamilton Continued from Page N-6 The Audio Guides are up and running next to Zunino’s to get hot cross buns Louie was a on the Board of Directors at Hamilton Field History Museum. during Lent. Other establishments I of the Novato Fire Dept. and was a Sixteen of the museums displays were recall are DeBorbas (still the anchor long time volunteer. He worked at Pini selected for the audio guide tour. of Old Town, First National Bank, Milling. Marie lived into her 90s and The visitor will simply put the handset Pini Hardware, Andersen’s Chevro- I gave to THIS Historical Society an strap around the neck, listen to some let, Dean’s Rexall Drug Store, Ken’s Interview I did with her when she was quick instructions from the docent, put TV and Radio, Perachiotti Realty, Dr. 92 about her earliest remembrances of the headset on and they are ready to Weseman’s Medical Office, Pete’s Novato. go. Barber Shop and Wayne Womack’s I had a German Shepherd dog when Entering on the handset the number store. I was around 6 years old. The dog associated with any of the museums I had an Independent Journal paper loved to go across the street into Sal- 16 “points of interest,” will provide additional background information for route when I was 11 years old. I minas property and kill his chickens. that specific display. remember spending the huge sum of Eventually, we had to get rid of the dog $7 to buy a railroad book at Wayne’s to keep the peace between us. Marie Stop by and try them out. Place. I think it was about three quar- and Lou gave us fresh fruit and eggs ters of my entire paper route salary and were the best neighbors you could at that time. I went to Hill Elementary have. In1960, I was released from Hill School but do not remember off the Elementary and got my ticket punched top of my head any of the teachers. to attend Novato High in 1961. In Part On Fourth Street we lived across the two of this missive, I will tell you about street from one of the great Novato my close friend, Jim Crumpler, one of families, Louie and Marie Salmina. the BEST Dipsea runners over many years and his love for Novato.

Remembering May Call for Board Member Rodgers Ungemach Applications

Guild members are invited to apply to serve on the Novato Historical Guild New This Summer: Board of Directors for 2019-2020. The term of office is for two years. Adult Walking Tours Requirements and Process: The Novato Historical Guild is pleased to be • Have been a Guild member for a offering walking tours of downtown Novato and Hamilton Air Field this summer. The year prior to the election on Dec. walks will be led by Laurie O’Mara and Kate 15, 2018. Johnson. The walks will start at 9:00 am • Complete the Guild Board Appli- on the last Saturday of the month and will cation and return it by August 31, start at each museum. Each walk should last about an hour. Anyone interested in the 2018. tours should phone the museums to reserve Board Applications are available at a spot. Call (415) 897-4320 (Downtown) or each museum or by email to Susan (415) 382-8614 (Hamilton). Magnone [email protected]. The schedule is as follows. Interested members are encouraged to attend the Board meeting on August 6/30 - Laurie O’Mara, Downtown tour 7/28 - Kate Johnson, Hamilton tour 14 at 1:30 at the Margaret Todd Center 8/25 - Laurie O’Mara, Downtown tour A new placque has been installed in the and to talk with board members about 9/29 - Kate Johnson, Hamilton tour Novato History Museum in honor of May the role, responsibilities and reward of Rodgers Ungemach who wrote the “Novato serving on the Board. Put on your walking shoes and be prepared Township” book. Many Novatans called it the to step back in time, learning about earlier “Novato Bible.” May donated all profits from times in the Novato area. the sales of this book to the Novato Historical Guild. May passed away in December N-8 The Novato Historian April - June 2018

A Case of Bad Timing By Michael Corlett A flight of B-17’s left Hamilton in early December of 1941, bound for Hawaii and then on to the Phil- ippines. What was supposed to be simply a transfer of bombers to a new location, turned out to be a heart-pounding, life-threatening journey. In the fall of 1941 the US Army Air Force, because of rising politi- cal tensions in the area, felt it nec- essary to bolster its air defenses in the Far East. Air units of the 7th Bombardment B-17 at Bellows Field. Group, stationed at Fort Douglas in Salt Lake City were selected to be information about flying to Hawaii. bombers. The bombers crews had moved to the Philippines. The air- Coincidentally, Major General Hap no idea what was going on, but craft would leave the West Coast, Arnold, on the base for other rea- they knew they were “sitting ducks” stopover in Hawaii, then proceed sons, attended the briefing. and took evasive actions to get to Manilla. The aircraft and crews out of harm’s way. The B-17’s had involved were transferred to Muroc That evening at 9:00 pm, eight arrived in Honolulu on the morn- Army Airbase in Muroc, California. B-17C aircraft of the 38th Recon- ing of December 7th, 1941, about At Muroc, the aircraft were made naissance Squadron and eight a half an hour after the Japanese ready for the trip. (Muroc was in B-17E aircraft of the 88th Recon- had begun their attack on the U.S. the area now known as Edwards naissance Squadron were sched- Naval Fleet at Pearl Harbor. Air Force Base). Once ready, the uled to begin the 14-hour trip to aircraft were to be flown to Ham- Hawaii. Two aircraft from each In the 1977 movie, Tora Tora Tora, ilton Army Airfield. The aircraft squadron had to abort the mission one of the Bomber Pilots, Major would then depart on the first leg of because of mechanical problems. Truman H. Landon, was portrayed the trip, a refueling stop at Hickam Spaced about 10 minutes apart, by actor Norman Alden. His movie Field near Honolulu. twelve B-17 bombers began the line was, “Damn it! What a way to trip to Hickam Field in Honolulu. fly into a war---unarmed and out To make the 2400-mile trip to of gas!” (I suspect the actual lan- Hickam Field required a maxi- The Navy had positioned ships guage was a bit more colorful). mum fuel load. To save fuel, the along the route to aid in naviga- trip was to be made with “skeleton” tion. The trip was uneventful, but Lt. Roy Reid was a copilot on one crews, and although equipped with as they neared Hawaii, all that was of the first bombers to arrive on machine guns, to reduce weight, about to change. the scene. As they approached the aircraft carried no ammunition. As the bombers neared Hickam, a Hickam they saw the smoke and burning aircraft on the ground and On December 6th, 1941 there flight of fighter aircraft came out to knew that a war had begun. The was a dinner and briefing for the greet them. The initial thinking was crew began to raise the landing flight crews at the Hamilton Offi- that the fighters were American gear to abort the landing when cer’s Club. Part of the briefing planes on their way to escort the tracer bullets, fired from two trail- was made by Pan American Air- bombers to the airbase. Instead, line’s navigators discussing winds the fighters were Japanese, and aloft and other general navigational they started firing at the unarmed Continued on Page N-9 April - June 2018 The Novato Historian N-9 A Case of Bad Timing Continued from Page N-8 ing Japanese fighters, struck mag- Pearl Harbor. Once on the ground and one was used for spare parts. nesium flares stored in a locker on- and after the attack was over, he Many in the bomber crews were board. This caused an intense fire took several photos of the dam- wounded, but all recovered. that filled the cockpit with smoke. age done. Some of his photos Before leaving Hamilton, Embree Lieutenant Schick, a flight sur- taken that day appeared in Life, wanted to make the trip on a B-17 geon on board had been hit in the Time and other publications. Cop- that allowed him to connect cam- leg. With a fire raging, there was ies of the photographs are kept in era gear in to the aircraft’s 24-volt no choice now but to lower the the National Archives. His Speed electrical system. Flight Surgeon gear and attempt the landing. The Graphic camera, goggles and dog Lt. Schick’s B-17 had that capa- plane came down hard and barely tags are on display at the Museum bility, so they swapped planes. under control. Reid said, “Once of Flight at Boeing Field in Seattle. the tail came down, almost imme- On that flight of B-17s that left Seven of the B-17’s were able to diately, the plane began to buckle in peace and arrived in war, Lt. land at Hickam. Two landed on and collapse, and breaking in the Schick was the only fatality. the 1200-foot runway of an auxil- middle where the fire had burned iary strip at Haleiwa on the north- through.” All crew members got west coast of Oahu. Another Sources: The B-17 Flight, Jack out of what was left of the plane, made a downwind landing at Bel- McKillop, http://www.etherit.co.uk/ safely. While running for cover, lows Field, it came in too fast and ww2home.htm Lieutenant Schick was hit by a bul- ended up in a ditch at the end of let from a strafing Japanese Zero KCTS 9 Video, Lee Embree Inter- the runway. Another was forced to and died the next day. view, 2007 land on Kahuku Golf course and a Shot Down at Pearl Harbor, Lt. Roy Lieutenant Reid’s Aircraft third plane landed at Wheeler Army Reid, Air Force Magazine. com, Dec. Field near Honolulu. Lt Reid’s B-17 became the first 1991 US airplane downed by the enemy Nine of the twelve B-17’s were Hamilton Field Diary, Major Gen- during World War II. listed as “in commission” and were eral F.H. Oberding, 2011 Twenty-six-year-old Staff Sargent returned to service, one was rated and Army Aerial Photographer Lee as “destroyed”, one was “repairable’ Embree was a passenger on one of the B-17’s. He was being trans- ferred from Albuquerque, New Mexico to the Philippines. He brought his Speed Graphic cam- era and as they flew into the mael- strom, Embree started taking pic- tures. He took photographs of the billowing smoke from the USS Ari- zona and the Japanese planes fly- ing by his bomber. “They passed so close on the left, I could see the pilot’s faces,” he said. “They were grinning ear to ear.” “The plane was hit several times, but we weren’t.” We were very lucky”. On the third circle over Hickam, Embree’s plane ran out of fuel and landed. Embree had taken the first air combat photos of the attack on Lieutenant Roy Reid’s aircraft became the first US airplane shot down by the enemy in World War II N-10 The Novato Historian April - June 2018 Novato Historical Guild Unfinished Business: Strategic Plan: Welcome New Board Highlights • Document updated with added boxes Guild Members by Kathryn Hansen • Need to work with the City regarding lia- bility and waivers for those on walk- Novato Historical Guild February 2017 ing tours. Thanks to Ray for opening the Hamilton Museum for the Hamilton Walk- Membership Report City Report : ing Tour last week. June 2018 • Docents can get Life Scan at the Police New Business: Individual Membership Dept. on Wednesdays from 3-4:30PM Mari Avedano • Still working on the phone issue (carrier Plan for Depot – There is a workshop to Gary Edwards is Frontier) develop ideas for the depot. George sug- Tony Ferriera • Hamilton Field H.M.’s e-mail went down. gested contacting the Landmark Society in It was a virus, not Sonic.com. Tiburon for ideas. Jim Rolka Lowell W. Smith The Board did not think Unfinished Business: Annual Report – it was necessary to have Annual Report Strategic Plan – review of the plan. Next in newsletter because the information was steps Kathryn volunteered to oversee handed out at the General Meeting last If you have questions about the progress. Progress will be measured week. with monthly updates on each goal. In six membership, call months the plan will be reviewed, updated Downtown Museum • A Girl Scout volunteer is working on a Edna Manzoni, and modified if necessary. In one year the Membership Chairman, plan will be reviewed and updated for the photo project. following year • Someone wanted to donate a human 415-892-9603. skull found at Deer Island years ago by Volunteer Appreciation – Fifty four people her father who just passed away. The attended out of sixty four. Thanks to Judi Coronor’s Office determined it was a Brady & Sharon Azevedo for a lovely event. Native American. The local tribe was New Business: contacted and it will be reburied by the local elders. Eagle Scout Project - The Eagle Scouts have permission to install two new benches outside of the Downtown Museum for the April 2018 Third Grade tours. Sawyer Rasmussen is City Report • Still working on the phone issue – wires leading the project. inside the building were the problem March Member’s Meeting – March 10th • Can get recognition from the City for the at M.Todd Center 10:00AM to noon. The Eagle Scout project at the Downtown Please support our Guild speaker will talk about historical myster- Museum. Business Members: ies of San Francisco. Hospitality requests • Hamilton Brick Patio Project – City breads for refreshments. approved the project; now Rotary’s Board Acme Digital and Screen Graphics Hamilton Museum has to approve. • AED installed at Downtown Museum A. D. Scott Building • Hamilton Field H.M.’s e-mail went down. without Guild’s knowledge. A request Andrew McAghon Landscaping It was a virus, not Sonic.com. from the Guild for training on using the Bank of Marin • The audio tours have a bug in them. defibrillator. They have traced the vendor back to Goltermann Garden & Country Inn, France for repair. This has been a three New Business: Petaluma, CA year project. LPL Investment Portfolio – Review Indian Valley Golf Club • The oral history CD’s play on the portfolio performance summary computer but on the picture frame. Marin Landscape Materials Simmons House – Jim was approached Marin Trophies March 2018 by someone who would like to rent the Marin Volvo/Saab Simmons House from the City and would City Report McIsaac Dairy let the museum have the front space. • Still working on the phone issue –prob- More discussion/research need to be done Nave Enterprises lem is not in the building but bad wiring before a decision is made. at the street. Novato Builders Supply, Inc. Pini Hardware • Will ask for recognition from the City for Hamilton Museum: the Eagle Scout project at the Downtown • Hamilton Museum – Ray Dwelly The Wright Salon Museum and Coast Guard Project at the • Request to purchase a kiosk. Board Trumbull Manor Inc. – Novato Hamilton Museum.. approved. Valley Oak Wealth Management • The City cut down trees that were • Volunteer Agreement for volunteers is at Zenith Instant Printing the City Attorney to be approved. diseased April - June 2018 The Novato Historian N-11

2018 Board Meetings In Memoriam The Guild Extends Second Tuesday of the Month Sympathy to Margaret Todd Senior Center The Grundstrom family on the 1560 Hill Road In Memoriam loss of Edwin Grundstrom Time:1:30- 3:30 PM Jan. 9 July (no meeting) The Guerra family on the loss of Feb. 13 Aug. 14 Edwin Grundstrom Mary Jane Guerra March 13 Sept. 11 Mary Jane Guerra April 10 Oct. 9 Michael Patterson The Patterson family on the loss May 8 Nov. 13 of Michael Patterson June 12 Dec. 11

Membership Meetings March 10 Margaret Todd Center MEMORIAL PLAQUE GIFTS Contact Us June 16 City Hall You may honor a friend or loved one by having his or her name engraved Hamilton Field History Museum Sept.15 Hamilton Field Manager: Ray Dwelly Museum on an individual brass plate on the Memorial Plaque in the History Museum phone: 415-382-8614 Dec. 15 City Hall Museum. Please call the Museum at Email: [email protected] 897-4320. All contributions are tax https://www.facebook.com/ deductible. Plaques cost $250 per HamiltonFieldHistoryMuseum/ Guild members are welcome to attend person named. the Board meetings. Please check Novato History Museum with the President, Jim Crumpler at MEMORIAL GIFTS Manager: Susan Magnone [email protected] or 415 897- Museum phone: 415-897-4320 You may make a gift of appreciated 5705, in case a meeting has been Email: [email protected] securities (stocks, bonds, mutual changed. https://www.facebook.com/ funds) to the Novato Historical Guild. NovatoHistoryMuseum/ Your gift is not only tax-deductible, but if you have held the shares for more than one year, your tax deduction will equal the full value of the securities on the date of the gift.

WATCH FOR INFORMATION IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE HISTORIAN FOR NEWS ABOUT A CHANGE IN THE COLLECTION OF MEMBERSHIP DUES  ‘Membership Form Please mail checks to Novato HistoricaI Guild. P.O. Box 1296. Novato. CA 94948. Yes, I want to join the Novato Historical Guild and help preserve Novato history!  new  renewal

 Student (full time) membership $10 year Name ______ Individual membership $20 year Address ______ Family membership $30 year City______ Patron membership $100 year State ______Zip______ Supporting membership $200 year Phone ______ Life membership, individual $350 year  Life membership, joint $500 year Additional donations? ______ Benefactor $1000 year Interested in volunteering? ______ Business membership $50 year Email address:______ Corporate membership $1000 year NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE Novato Historical Guild P.O. Box 1296 PAID Novato, CA 94948 NOVATO, CA PERMIT NO. 138

Change Service Requested

TIME VALUE

 YOU ARE INVITED  General Membership Meeting ~ Novato Historical Guild Saturday, June 16, 10:00 am - 12:00 noon At Novato City Hall 901 Sherman Ave, Novato John Geoghegan, author and Guild member, will be discussing The Japanese Submarine presence off the coast of California during The World War II

Come enjoy refreshments, good company, and an interesting presentation. Guild Members and anyone interested in Novato are welcome.

Novato History Museum 815 Delong Avenue (415) 897-4320 Hamilton Field History Museum 555 Hangar Avenue (415) 382-8614

COME VISIT AND BRING A FRIEND! The Museums are open three days a week -- Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday - Noon to 4 p.m. Closed Major Holidays